Obituary of Daniel William MacDonald

Age 87, Spryfield, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at the QEII Halifax Infirmary site.

Dan, 'Mr. MacDonald' was a teacher and vice principal with the HRSB for 35 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret “Virginia” MacDonald; son, Paul (Andrea) MacDonald; daughter, Jane (Scott) Stevens; grandchildren, Jordan Ash, Nadine MacDonald; twin granddaughters, Jennifer and Nicole MacDonald; sister-in-law, Colette MacDonald; brothers-in-law, Gerald (Barbara) MacDonald, Clyde Macdonald; several nieces and nephews.

As a result of his daughter's marriage he also gained two "honourary granddaughters", Kaylee Stevens and Maggie Stevens, and two "honourary great-grandsons", Leif Stevens and Thorin Stevens.

Predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret MacDonald; brothers, Ranald, Leo; sisters, Margie, Rosie.

Dan was a graduate of Normal College, St. F X and later Saint Mary’s University. He taught kids of all ages and enjoyed every aspect of it.  He took great pride in helping kids learn, and teaching the importance of studies and education.  Some of this can be seen and heard through his former students. Though he could be a stern teacher, he took great pride in helping his students discover their potential.  He would be known to tell his daughter that he enjoyed running a classroom and helping kids learn and recognize their strengths.

Dan enjoyed life to the fullest. No matter where he went, he flashed that big smile.  He loved life and loved his family more. He was a member of the Spryfield Lions Club, coached Hockey, Cadet leader, Cub leader, was involved in the J. L. Ilsley Speak Out for many years, among other things.

He will always be remembered by his quick and quirky comments like "I will hit you with a wet noodle", "Your mother eats rotten eggs", "Gosh all fishhooks" among many others.

He was also quite the card shark where he loved Bridge, 45's and of course playing Crib. After many years of playing in a Crib club he finally landed the ever-so sought after 29 hand on February 1, 2012 and he could not hide his excitement when the five of hearts was flipped up to grant him the "Perfect hand".

In his younger years he enjoyed camping every summer and spending time in Sunny Brae, Pictou County, and his hometown of Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

Dan was a family man, proudly announcing he raised his grandson Jordan, his granddaughter Nadine got her beauty and smarts from him, and he couldn't wait for 'the twins', his little Monsters Jennifer and Nicole to grow up, so he could watch them graduate from school, like his other two grandchildren.

He had the love of his life and his family by his side right up to his final moments.

For all who knew him, you could hear him coming and he enjoyed nothing more than spreading cheer wherever he went.

Rest Easy Dan, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, instead of watching for dimes, we will keep our eyes open for that hundred-dollar bill you kept telling us was yours. Until we meet again, we love you.

Arrangements are entrusted to J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. 149 Herring Cove Road, where visitation will take place on Thursday December 19, 2019 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A service of remembrance will be held on Friday December 20, 2019 at 1pm from the funeral home chapel. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. MacDonald’s memory can be sent to Clyde Macdonald, secretary treasurer of the Sunny Brae War Memorial Society, at 140 Temperance St., New Glasgow, B2H 3A7.